See Police on the Shoulder in Georgia? Move Over!

By Grant Law Office on March 14, 2012

Nearly a decade after the law’s passage, however, many drivers are still involved in Georgia’s “Move Over” law, passed in 2003, requires drivers to move over to the right-most lane or to slow down if they see emergency workers, including police, firefighters, and medical workers, on the side of the road. The law applies to any emergency vehicle and its workers – even tow trucks.

Georgia pedestrian accidents with workers on the side of the road each year. One such accident occurred at the beginning of March 2012, when two police officers were injured by a driver who did not move over or slow down as the law requires.

The “Move Over” law was passed after Georgia legislators realized that more Georgia police officers lose their lives when they are struck by passing vehicles than die from any other risk they face in the line of duty. One-third of all car-related accidents occur after an initial crash, when other drivers hit disabled vehicles or people who have gotten out of the vehicles to offer assistance or assess the damage. These accidents are particularly risky on the freeway where the high rates of speed can result in serious trauma or death for an unprotected pedestrian.

Moving over and/or slowing down as the law requires can help save lives. If you’ve been injured by a motor vehicle accident, however, you need experienced, dedicated representation. At The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., our experienced car accident lawyers in Atlanta know how to fight for the compensation you need. For a free, confidential case evaluation, call us today at (404) 995-3955.